KUALA LUMPUR – The Pakistan Hockey Federation (PHF) is seeking US$2.5 million (RM10.5 million) from its government to ensure the national team’s participation in the 2025–2026 FIH Pro League.
It is understood that Pakistan, who finished as runners-up in the recently concluded Nations Cup – a qualifier for the Pro League – were invited to compete in the upcoming edition after tournament champions New Zealand withdrew due to financial constraints.
Speaking to Scoop from Islamabad, PHF secretary-general Rana Mujahid said it was time for the government to stop playing politics and focus on the revival and future of Pakistani hockey.
The federation, led by opposition politician Tariq Bugti of the Pakistan People’s Party, founded by the late Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto, received only Rs25 million (RM430,822) from the government last year. The country is currently governed by the Pakistan Muslim League.
Before the change in leadership in 2022, the PHF received between Rs100 million and Rs300 million annually from the federal government to fund its operations.
“It is a great opportunity for the Pakistan team to return to top-tier international hockey and raise its profile. We have submitted a request to the prime minister for financial assistance and have also appealed to Field Marshal Asim Munir for support.
“This is the time for us to stay united and focus on the development of the sport. I urge the government to set aside political differences – let’s not play politics, but work together to bring our nation back to the Pro League,” said Rana when contacted.
At the same time, Rana said Pakistan’s performance in the Nations Cup was satisfactory and demonstrated the national team’s potential.
“If we commit and then withdraw due to financial reasons, the FIH could impose a ban on us. We have already written to the FIH, requesting time to make a final decision regarding our participation in the Pro League,” he said.
He added that former Olympian Tahir Zaman would soon submit a strategic plan for the development of the senior national team.
It is understood that the PHF is currently focused on assembling a squad for the upcoming Junior World Cup (JWC) in Tamil Nadu, India. The tournament will take place in Chennai and Madurai from 28 November to 10 December.
Germany are the current JWC champions, having defeated France 2–1 in the final of the 2023 edition to claim a record-extending seventh title. – July 2, 2025